Khristich: It’s important that we didn’t miss it, we’re not going to relax and rest

Head coach Ukrainian national hockey team Dmitry Khristich commented on the crushing victory over China (9:0) in the third round World Championship 2024 in Division IB.

“We won, but there was no goal to score as many goals as possible. It’s important that we didn’t concede, and I’m grateful to the players for that. There were no thoughts of letting anyone rest when they realized that there would be victory. I wouldn’t say that China was different from what it was in sparring. We are happy that we managed to repeat the score 9:0, although we were trying to encourage the players to forget this match.”

“Spain? We didn’t come here to rest, we have five matches in seven days. Everyone should be on their toes. You can relax a little in the evening, but tomorrow at the same time we are playing with Spain. The players can rest a little while the coaching staff will develop a plan for tomorrow.”

Let us remind you that before the start of the 2024 World Cup in Division IB, Khristich’s team defeated China in sparring, scoring nine “dry” goals. The blue-yellows achieved a similar result at the tournament itself.

The Ukrainian team won its third victory in three matches and is leading in Division IB. Let us remind you that in the opening match, Khristich’s team defeated Estonia (8:0), and then dealt with the Netherlands (4:0).

The blue-and-yellows have two games left in the tournament. Ukraine will play against Spain on May 1, and in the last round they will meet with Lithuania on May 3.

The tournament in division IB takes place in Lithuania. The winner of the tournament will advance to Division IA, the team that finishes last will drop to Division IIA.